Is golf a sport??

We were having this discussion at work during the world darts championship, when the commentator said something like "what an athlete".

most of us agreed that darts most definately is not a sport. but we moved  on to others including golf. what do you think?? i say no.

Bugger, I thought you had to be FAT to play golf.  Golf is most definitely a sport.  It involves physical activity within a defined set of rules.  And the International Olympic Committee recognises it as a sport.  And did you know golf was an olympic sport in 1900 and 1904?

Here's a question.  Given that the Olympic Motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Swifter, Higher, Stronger), should this define which sports are allowable?  For example, should rhytmic gymnastics be allowed when tug of war isn't (although it was). 

I think that unless there is an objective measure of who did best (scored more goals, ran the 100 metres quicker) it shouldn't be included.  Subjective measures (I liked the way China wafted their ribbon better than USA so China win) are so open to interpretation. 

It could be both, Chris, but what are the possibilities of getting the leading players in each country to take part, when they have to do it for nothing, other than the chance of a medal.

Yes the olympics is supposed to be amateur but they get round it.  I think golf was in the Olympics but way back in 1920 or something, I did hear they have talked about getting it included for 2012 but would guess it would be the top amateurs.

Likewise rumours have been made about the England football team but to compete it would have to be GB&I as that is what is represented in the Olympics.  Could you imagine that ? I doubt it very much. 

Golf (as much as i like it) just dosnt seem olympic material. Surely long drive comps or nearest the pin would better fir the format. Like javelin and archery (sort of)

As regards the football, England aren't represented as the nation at the Olympics is Great Britain.  We could have a GB and NI team and it has been discussed.  The pro's can play but can't have a competitve cap and meet certain other criteria eg not played in a World Cup qualifier.  Other pro's play in team sports like hockey, ice hockey, etc. 

I suppose golf could be played in two ways.  You could have team event (four players, lowest aggregate team score gets the medal) and an individual event.  Both have been done already.  Interestingly, golf is included in the special olympics program.